Bevin approves contract to probe Beshear administration

August 2, 2016

Kentucky Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has approved a contract of up to $500,000 to an Indiana law firm to investigate his Democratic predecessor’s administration.

According to media reports, the two-year contract was awarded to the Indianapolis office of the law firm Taft Stettinius & Hollister. The contract says the firm will investigate possible violations of state spending rules and possible coercion of state workers for campaign donations.

Last spring, Bevin announced that his Finance and Administration Cabinet would oversee an investigation of what he called a "pay-to-play" method of conducting business during Steve Beshear’s administration. Beshear, who left office late last year after serving two terms, has said Bevin’s accusations "have absolutely no basis in truth."

The Lexington Herald-Leader first reported the awarding of the contract.